Getting a divorce in Phoenix
Different stages precede acceptance
May 2, 2011
By Mike Hinshaw
About.com has a useful page about the stages of divorce, including:
- Denial
- Shock
- “Rollercoaster”
- Bargaining
- Letting go
- Acceptance.
Once you’ve made the decision
Of course, each person reacts in individual ways and might not follow a “template,” but these are common phases, often reported by those who go through divorce. If you’ve come to realize that divorce is your best option, we can help you find a compatible, trained and experienced attorney in Phoenix or Maricopa County.
Consent decrees and default
According to the Maricopa County courts’ Web site:
In Arizona, the legal name for a divorce is Dissolution of Marriage. The amount of time that takes to get a dissolution or divorce can vary from case to case. State laws require that you wait 60 days from the date of service before you can proceed with a divorce. After the 60 days from the date of service passes, the steps necessary to obtaining a divorce will greatly depend on your situation.
A divorce where the parties have been married for a relatively short period of time, have no children, and little property or debt can be less involved. A divorce where the parties have been married for a long period of time, where there are minor children, or where there is a significant amount of property or debt to be divided and the parties are in disagreement may take additional time.
If both parties agree to all issues within the case, the case may proceed by the parties filing a consent decree. If the Petition for Dissolution has been filed and served on the other party and a response has not filed within the allotted time period, the filing party may apply for a default.
Self-help available, but attorney recommended
The courts’ divorce pages explain that “The person filing for the divorce is called the Petitioner. The person responding to the [filing] is called the Respondent” and that “Maricopa County Superior Court Self-Service Center has forms and instructions that you can use.” Also emphasized is that “It is important to get legal advice from a lawyer.” In fact, in another section, we see, “The first step in your case should be to speak with a lawyer to get legal advice. This will help you determine the best course of action for you.”
Where to file in Maricopa County
Clerk of the Superior Court Clerk of the Superior Court
Central Court Building Southeast Court Complex
201 West Jefferson, 1st floor 222 East Javelina Drive, 1st floor
Phoenix, Arizona 85003 Mesa, Arizona 85210
Clerk of the Superior Court Clerk of the Superior Court
Northeast Court Complex Northwest Court Complex
18380 North 40th Street 14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Phoenix, Arizona 85032 Surprise, Arizona 85374
[Note: For more information, please see “Divorce in Arizona.”]
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And that’s where our Web site comes in–If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation (see below). If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.